Subject to the approval of the municipal officers, the treasurer or any disbursing officer of any municipality may, and if so requested by the tax collector shall, withhold payment of any money then due and payable to any taxpayer whose taxes are due and wholly or partially unpaid, to an amount not in excess of the unpaid taxes together with any interest and costs. The sum withheld shall be paid to the tax collector, who shall, if required, give a receipt in writing therefor to the officer withholding payment and to the taxpayer. The tax collector's rights under this section shall not be affected by any assignment or trustee process.